Bengal Phase 2 polls: Violence, EVM tampering allegations rock 142 seats
Synopsis
West Bengal's Phase 2 polling across 142 seats was marred by BJP allegations of TMC-orchestrated violence and an EVM tampering incident in South 24 Parganas, where tape was reportedly placed over the BJP symbol. Central forces intervened, but the episode has deepened the already bitter BJP-TMC contest ahead of the results.
Key Takeaways
The second phase of West Bengal Assembly elections was held on 29 April across 142 constituencies .
The BJP alleged that TMC workers attacked its polling agents at multiple booths during voting.
At booth number 177 in Falta constituency, South 24 Parganas , BJP candidate Debangshu Panda alleged tape was placed over the BJP symbol on the EVM.
Central forces intervened at the Falta booth, removed the tape, and voting resumed.
The Election Commission of India and central observers maintained close vigil throughout polling day.
Allegations of violence and Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering cast a shadow over the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on Wednesday, 29 April, as voting took place across 142 Assembly constituencies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused workers of the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) of attacking its polling agents at multiple booths, intensifying an already charged political contest in the state.
Violence Allegations Across Constituencies
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo told news agency IANS that TMC workers had, "out of frustration", resorted to violence at several polling stations. "Reports of violence are coming in from several places. However, the Election Commission is strict, and central observers are closely monitoring the situation. Still, it is very unfortunate that in a democracy, such incidents are taking place," he said.
Shah Deo further claimed that even in constituencies considered strongholds of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the TMC was reportedly losing ground. He asserted that a "wave of development led by the BJP" was sweeping the state.
BJP Leaders Weigh In
Uttar Pradesh Minister Danish Azad Ansari echoed similar concerns, calling the reported violence "very unfortunate" and alleging that certain elements in West Bengal were attempting to undermine the Constitution. "They (Trinamool Congress) know that the public has made up its mind for change. That is why, during elections, they resort to violent activities. The people of Bengal are watching how the state has lagged behind in development," Ansari said, expressing confidence that a decisive BJP government would be formed in the state.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma also criticised the alleged violence, calling it an "old habit" that must be stopped, adding that TMC needed "to be made to understand".
EVM Tampering Controversy in South 24 Parganas
A separate controversy emerged at booth number 177 in the Falta Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district. BJP candidate Debangshu Panda alleged that tape had been placed over the BJP symbol on the EVM, potentially confusing voters. Central forces were deployed to the spot, the tape was removed, and voting resumed thereafter, according to reports.
Election Commission Maintains Vigil
Polling continued under tight security arrangements, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and central forces maintaining close vigil throughout the day. This is not the first time West Bengal elections have been accompanied by allegations of booth-level violence — similar complaints were raised during the 2021 Assembly elections, which the TMC won decisively. The BJP has yet to form a government in the state despite significant vote-share gains in recent cycles. The ECI had not issued a formal response to the specific allegations at the time of reporting.
With voting still underway across the 142 constituencies, the final picture of polling day incidents is expected to emerge once the ECI releases its official assessment.
Point of View
TMC silence or counter-denial, and the ECI caught in the middle. What is notable this time is the specificity of the EVM tape incident in Falta: central forces confirmed it and intervened, lending it more credibility than a routine political allegation. Yet the BJP's claims of a statewide 'development wave' must be weighed against its failure to breach TMC's majority in 2021 despite similar confidence. The real question is whether the ECI's central observer deployment is enough to deter organised booth management — a structural challenge that no single election cycle has resolved in Bengal.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during West Bengal Phase 2 polling on 29 April?
The second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on 29 April covered 142 constituencies and was marked by BJP allegations of violence by TMC workers against its polling agents, as well as an EVM tampering complaint in South 24 Parganas. Central forces and Election Commission observers were deployed to monitor the situation.
What was the EVM tampering allegation in Falta constituency?
BJP candidate Debangshu Panda alleged that tape had been placed over the BJP symbol on the EVM at booth number 177 in the Falta Assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas. Central forces reached the spot, removed the tape, and voting resumed thereafter.
What did BJP leaders say about the violence in West Bengal?
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo alleged that TMC workers resorted to violence 'out of frustration', while UP Minister Danish Azad Ansari called the incidents 'very unfortunate' and Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Vijay Sharma described them as an 'old habit'. All three expressed confidence that the BJP would form the next government in West Bengal.
How did the Election Commission respond to the allegations?
The Election Commission of India had central observers closely monitoring the polling process. Central forces intervened at the Falta booth to address the EVM complaint. No formal ECI statement on the broader violence allegations had been issued at the time of reporting.
How does this compare to past West Bengal elections?
West Bengal elections have historically been accompanied by allegations of booth-level violence and intimidation. Similar complaints were raised during the 2021 Assembly elections, which TMC won decisively. The BJP has consistently alleged electoral malpractice but has yet to form a government in the state.
